February 2026 • Vol. 2026 No. 2
The expanding role of ASCs
in orthopedic surgeries
Orthopedics and spine are among the
hottest specialties for ASCs and outpatient
settings this year, driven by CMS' removal
of nearly 300 musculoskeletal procedures
from its IPO list.
Where ASCs are reaping
the AI benefits
As payer complexity and administrative
burdens intensify, ASCs are turning to AI
as a way to protect margins and efficiency
by using it to manage prior authorizations
and appeals, optimize OR performance
and explore new clinical applications.
continued on page 7 continued on page 9
continued on page 4
Outpatient cardiology's CMS
whiplash
For some independent cardiology practices, financial
and operational stability may feel like a moving target as
reimbursement policies and reporting requirements continue
to shift. Larry Sobal, CEO of Heart and Vascular Institute
of Wisconsin discusses the administrative and financial
complications he is navigating.
20+
STORIES INSIDE
The Stark law dilemma facing physicians p. 8
16TH ANNUAL MEETING
April 13 - 16, 2026
Hyatt Regency // Chicago, IL
SAVE THE DATE
IN THIS ISSUE:
How 5 ASC leaders
are thinking about
the industry
p. 3
10 key consolidation
trends for ASC
leaders to know
p. 4
Why Compass
Surgicals' new
CEO is focused
on scaling before
growth
p. 10
5 new GI devices to
know in 2026
p. 17
The cracks in
the physician
consolidation model
p. 18
